Classic Cars Nissan Dealer Blog

Soaring fuel prices are on everyone’s minds these days. May has brought a series of record high fuel prices, and the trend shows no real signs of abating. Although your Nissan truck gets decent gas mileage, that is small comfort when it comes to the reality of paying to fill up your tank. Therefore, today we will bring you some creative ways to maximize your fuel efficiency and slash your costs at the pump.

1. Check your tire pressure – Underinflated tires cause your truck to lose as much as six percent fuel efficiency for every pound of underinflation. Be careful not to overinflate, however, which can be dangerous.

2. Keep your speed steady – “Jackrabbiting,” or going back and forth between hard acceleration and hard braking, will drain your gas tank at an alarming rate. Use your cruise control to maintain a steady speed on highways, and keep passing to a minimum.

3. Brake gently – As above, hard braking is not only bad for your brakes, it is also bad for your fuel economy. Slow gently when approaching a red light or traffic jam.

4. Combine trips – Many of us are guilty of multiple trips in a single day, particularly for errands. Before you leave the house, take a moment to go through a list of your upcoming errands. Combine them into a single trip, and try to plot a route that minimizes backtracking.

5. Unload your truck – Your Nissan truck provides excellent storage. If you leave heavy items in the truck when they aren’t needed, however, you may be seriously undermining your fuel economy. Your truck takes significantly more gas when it is heavily loaded.

Above are just a few easy to implement ways to save significantly on fuel costs for your truck. If you would like to learn more about Nissan trucks , we invite you to visit our convenient local dealership.

Gas prices are on everyone’s minds these days. From local corner stores to British newspapers, it seems that everyone is discussing the historic May increase in American fuel prices. Hybrid vehicles seem like a quick and easy answer. After all, these vehicles are clean and environmentally friendly, and can save up to 40% at the gas pump.

However, if you have recently bought your Nissan truck, this might not be the best time to trade it in for a hybrid. The first three years of any vehicle’s lifespan are the most expensive due to rapid depreciation during this time. Your truck lost value immediately when you drove it off the lot, and it will continue to lose value over the first three years at a relatively hefty rate.

On top of this, if you financed your truck, most of your earlier monthly payment goes toward interest. This means that your debt load will not drop as quickly at the beginning of your loan term as it does at the end.

Therefore, trading in your Nissan truck could prove to be quite expensive. At best, you will not make much money on your trade-in. At worst, you could end up in a negative equity situation, in which you owe more than the trade in value.

Hybrid vehicles are typically more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts. This means that it will take even longer to realize any actual savings from their superior gas mileage.

Experts now recommend that owners of late-model trucks avoid trading in at this time. Over the next few years, the markets will likely settle down. Combined with the lesser depreciation that you will face, and the lower existing loan you will have, trading in your truck in a few years may be a much better option.

Tomorrow we will bring you some tips on gaining maximum fuel economy in your Nissan truck .

Many of today’s SUVs have more in common with luxury cars than with their sturdy truck roots. After all, SUVs have become much more popular with suburban moms and wealthy city dwellers than with rural residents who might have reason to regularly travel off-road. However, the Nissan Armada is one of the few that manages to make a truly successful crossover.

Built on a truck chassis but loaded with luxury features, the Armada is equally home on the streets of Manhattan and in truly rugged off-road terrain. The Armada was introduced in 2004, and the 2008 redesign tweaked a number of features. Here is what Auto 123’s reviewer had to say.

Exterior
The vehicle’s hulking body is imposing, but the style and design elements keep it visually interesting. The 2008 changes are relatively minor, focusing primarily on the grille and front and rear fascias.

Under the Hood
The engine is a powerful 5.6 liter, 317 horsepower V8 that provides 385 pound feet of torque. The vehicle is sharply responsive, well controlled by a five speed automatic transmission with a gated shifter. The reviewer found this setup to be particularly easy to control. As is true with any SUV, this power does require a relatively high consumption of fuel.

Off Road Capability
It is the Armada’s off road capacity that truly sets it apart. A dashboard switch allows easy selection between 2WD, 4WD and low-range 4WD. The vehicle provides an Active Brake Limited Slip function in 4WD mode that helps detect slipping wheels and provide a better grip. Nissan also provides a system known as Vehicle Dynamic Control, which assists in both climbing and descent. Independent front and rear suspensions help to smooth out the ride dramatically.

The Bottom Line
The 2008 Nissan Armada manages to do what many SUVs cannot – provide equal measures of luxury and capability for a true go-anywhere vehicle. If you would like to learn more about the functionality of the Armada or any other Nissan truck, we invite you to visit our friendly Philadelphia area Nissan dealers.

Many Nissan truck owners choose to cover the truck bed in some way. A bed top can create secure storage, making it difficult or impossible for thieves to access the truck bed. It can also help to improve fuel efficiency by making your truck more aerodynamic. Finally, a sleek bed cover can be aesthetically pleasing, creating clean lines. Although the possibilities seem endless, bed covers can be divided into two basic types.

Camper Shells
A camper shell is a hard case that encloses the truck’s bed. It may be as tall as the truck’s cab, greatly increasing the available storage space. Camper shells may be made of fiberglass and customized to your particular truck’s make, model and year. These shells are painted to match your truck’s color and provide a contoured, exact fit.

The other option in camper shells is aluminum. These are significantly less expensive than fiberglass shells, but are available only in standard height, which may be taller or shorter than your truck’s cab. They are available in a range of standard colors.

A camper shell may be your best option if you plan to haul tall cargo and to leave the shell in place. They can be removed by two people, but are heavy and unwieldy.

Bed Covers
Unlike a camper shell, bed covers are designed to lie over the existing truck bed. Therefore, they do not provide vertical storage. They are a low-profile solution that will provide security and decrease drag, improving fuel economy.

Bed covers are also available in two basic styles. Hard covers are durable and will not blow off, providing the most protection. However, they are difficult to remove. Soft covers can be easily removed for the carrying of tall cargo, and some are strong enough to withstand up to a foot of snow.

There is no single best answer to the question of a bed cover for your Nissan truck. It is important to think through the ways in which you will use your truck to find the solution that works best for you.

A bed liner is a material that fits snugly into the bed of your Nissan truck. The bed liner helps to protect your truck’s bed from the scratches and spills that can result from carrying cargo. However, there are so many different bed liners on the market that it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Fortunately, all bed liners fall into two types – spray-on and drop-in. Here is a guide to the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Spray-On
A spray-on bed liner is, as the name implies, sprayed onto the truck’s bed. The installation is permanent, which means that a poor application can ruin the look of your truck. For this reason, it is very important that you have the liner professionally applied by a company that you trust.

A high quality spray-on liner provides a clean and sleek appearance. However, the liner is thinner than a drop-in liner, making it less protective against gouges and spills. Care should be taken when loading the bed to avoid soaking the liner in liquids such as paint, as well as to avoid dropping heavy items that could crack the liner.

Drop-In
Drop-in bed liners are easier to install than spray-on liners. They are also removable for cleaning or replacement. They tend to be thicker, which can lead to greater protection. You can find drop-in liners that are flexible or rigid, allowing you to make the decision that best meets your needs.

However, drop-in liners are not perfect. They can have a tendency to shift or slip, allowing dirt and debris to collect underneath. Some have a rough surface underneath, which can scratch or chip the paint of your truck bed.

Ultimately the type of bed liner that you select is a personal decision. Take the time to carefully research your options and select the liner that will best protect your Nissan truck.

For new or used Nissan trucks, please visit our New Jersey Nissan dealerships.

Earlier this week, we took you through the step by step process of building a customized Nissan Titan online. If you are more interested in the Frontier than the Titan, you can use this service for the Frontier as well. Building your Nissan truck online allows you to design the vehicle of your dreams.

If you have never built a vehicle online, you may have some questions. Fortunately, designing your Nissan Frontier could not be simpler or easier to do. The first step is to choose a model. The Frontier is available in the base XE, SE 4-cylinder, SE V-6, NISMO (optimized for off-road) and LE. Each model includes all of the features of the lower models as well as unique additional features.

Next you will select your cab. The XE and SE 4-cylinder are available only in the King Cab version, while the other models allow you to choose either the King Cab or the 5-passenger Crew Cab. Once the basics are in place, you will move on to your options.

The next step is to choose interior and exterior colors for your new truck. You will then select the transmission and drivetrain that you prefer. The truck model that you chose will limit your options to those that are available for your particular model. Finally, you will be able to select optional add-ons such as a bed extender or side airbags.

You will then reach a summary screen that will show all of your choices and your total price. At this point, you will be able to pre-qualify for financing, estimate payments and have your selections sent to your dealership of choice. When we receive your truck order, we will arrange for you to pick it up right here at our convenient dealership. This is an excellent way to shop in the privacy of your home for the Nissan truck that you will truly love.

To purchase a new or used Nissan truck, please visit us at our car dealership in Trenton.

A Nissan truck is a very personal vehicle to most owners. We want our trucks to make a statement about who we are and how we live. Nissan has responded to our desire for customization and personalization with a “build your own truck” section of the manufacturer’s website. You can build either a Titan or a Frontier. Today we will discuss the options on the Build a Titan portion of the site.

Your first choice is king cab or crew cab. The king cab is available with an 8 foot bed, while the crew cab offers full-size rear doors. Both options have their own pros and cons, so you will need to decide what is best for you.

Next you will choose the model. Titan models include the basic XE, the SE, the PRO-4X and the LE. Each model includes all the features of the next level down, along with additional features. Except for the PRO-4X, which is 4×4 only, all models offer 4×2 and 4×4 versions.

The next step is to choose the interior and exterior colors for your new truck. Afterwards, you will choose a transmission, bed length and drivetrain. Finally, you will be able to select the optional packages and accessories that you will like.

At this point, you will be able to see the MSRP for the vehicle that you built. You can apply for preapproved financing and see your estimated payment. You can also have the vehicle sent to your local dealership for a quote. You will be asked to enter your contact details so that the dealer can reach you.

If you have specific requirements for your Nissan truck, building it at the manufacturer’s website can be a great way to get your needs met. You can get financing preapproval and send us the truck of your dreams for easy pickup at our friendly Nissan dealer - New Jersey.

Yesterday we discussed the topic of towing safety. We talked about safe loading, hitching and inspecting all connections. Today we will discuss how driving with a trailer differs from driving without, and provide you with some tips on driving safely when you are towing a load.

Dangers of Towing
When towing a trailer, you will experience additional dangers that must be considered. Your line of sight may be blocked. Your load adds extra weight, which leads to a much longer stopping distance. Your rig may be less stable in the wind. Your turning radius will be much wider, and there is the possibility of jackknifing. Backing up is counterintuitive, requiring you to carefully think through the movements of both your truck and your trailer.

Tips for Safer Driving
When towing a trailer, there are several precautions that you can take. Although it is not possible to prevent every conceivable accident, following these tips can help ensure that you and your load make it safely to your destination.

Allow extra following distance – Your trailer may be equipped with brakes that help take the pressure off your truck’s brakes. Nevertheless, your truck plus trailer is much heavier than your truck alone. Stay well back from the vehicles ahead.

Make wide turns – It is easy to accidentally jump a curb or even jackknife your trailer. Turn widely and slowly to avoid obstacles and keep your trailer in line.

Use a backup camera or enlist help – Backing up is quite challenging with a trailer attached. Ask someone to guide you or install a camera. Also remember that even small movements of the wheel will drastically move the trailer. Take it slowly and easily.

Be especially careful on windy days – A truck and trailer combination is particularly susceptible to the effects of wind. Drive slowly and keep both hands on the wheel.

Your Nissan truck is an excellent towing vehicle. However, it is important to adjust your driving to accommodate the trailer. A bit of practice and the tips above can help you learn to safely drive while towing a trailer.

If you are like many Nissan truck owners, you appreciate the strength and power that your truck provides. Towing capacity is one of the main features that truck owners enjoy. However, towing is not as simple as just hitching up and taking off. Improper towing could damage your truck or trailer, or even cause a tragic accident. Provided here are a few tips on safely towing with your Nissan truck.

Know Your Maximum Towing Weight
Nissan provides guidelines for maximum gross trailer weight (GTW) in each owner’s manual. Remember that the gross weight includes not only the weight of the trailer itself, but everything inside. Exceeding the maximum weight is highly dangerous, so be sure to weigh the trailer at a truck stop or other facility if you may be near the maximum.

Proper Loading
Even if your load is well within the maximum weight allowance, if it is not properly loaded then you tow will be unsafe. Load the heaviest items on the bottom and be sure to distribute the load evenly from side to side. Approximately 60% of the total load should be located forward of the trailer’s axle. It is also important to use approved tie-downs to prevent the load from shifting while you drive.

Inspection
Before you take off, take the time to fully inspect your entire setup. Ensure that the trailer lights and brakes are working properly. Make sure that your tie-downs are secure. Inspect your hitch and electrical connections. Drive forward and backward at slow speeds to ensure that everything is as it should be.

Towing is an important capability of your Nissan truck. However, it is very important that you take the time to properly set up your tow. Tomorrow we will discuss the unique challenges of driving a tow vehicle and give you a few suggestions for safer driving.

Despite rising gas prices, RVing has become an extremely popular vacation alternative. Once thought of as an elderly person’s answer to camping, RVing has caught on with families, young singles and anyone who has ever felt the lure of the open road. With the increase in internet-based small businesses, full-time RVing has become an option for those who want to combine business and pleasure but do not have the funds to live in hotels.

Your Nissan truck opens up numerous alternatives for RV living, whether you plan to travel frequently or just every once in a while. A full-sized Class A motorhome can tow your truck behind, but is heavy and can be hard to maneuver. A travel trailer is a reasonable option, but can feel too small if you live in it for several months of the year. It can also be difficult to maintain control on windy roads. Many truck owners feel that a fifth wheel trailer is the perfect solution.

A fifth wheel trailer nestles snugly against your truck. The front section lies over your truck bed, providing more stability than that of a travel trailer. Maneuvering the vehicle is relatively easy, particularly when backing into a campground site. Hitching and unhitching is a breeze.

Not all fifth wheels are created the same, however. Like any other vehicle, some are better built than others. Configurations vary from trailer to trailer. Living space can be enhanced by adding a slide-out, but it is important to choose wisely. If your slide-out breaks, repairs can be prohibitively expensive.

If you think that a fifth wheel might be right for you, take your time and do your research. Go to RV shows and talk to technicians, not just dealers. Talk to RV owners. Gather information on the reliability and comfort of various models. Think through your needs and desires, and set about finding the fifth wheel that is right for you.